- Attraction: Preservation Pub
- Location: 28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Industry: Bar
- Website: https://scruffycity.com/preservation-pub/
Since opening its doors in 2002, this Market Square institution has become a driving force behind downtown Knoxville’s transformation from forgotten to fantastic.
Owned by local visionaries Bernadette and Scott West, Preservation Pub represents more than just another watering hole—it’s a testament to what happens when you blend historic preservation with bold imagination.
Open 365 days a year until 3 AM, this multi-level entertainment hub has earned recognition from USA Today as one of the best bars in America, and once you experience it, you’ll understand exactly why.
What sets this venue apart is its ambitious layout spanning three distinct floors, each offering its own personality and purpose.
From the lively first-floor Smokeasy with live music practically every night to the more intimate second-floor Speakeasy to the crowning jewel rooftop garden complete with the legendary Magic Beer Tree, you’re essentially getting multiple venues under one roof.
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Keep Exploring →With over 200 artists performing monthly—including local bands, touring acts, comedians, and drag shows—there’s always something happening within these historic walls.
The Multi-Level Experience
The First Floor Smokeasy: This is where the energy hits you first. The ground level features a 60-foot patio spilling onto Market Square and serves as the main stage for live music performances. The atmosphere leans rowdy in the best possible way, with bands playing everything from rock to bluegrass.
You’ll find smoking is permitted here, which gives it that authentic dive bar character. The wooden interior creates an instantly welcoming vibe, and the walls are adorned with drinking quotes from famous figures—including a particularly amusing exchange between Winston Churchill and Lady Astor that patrons love pointing out.
The Second Floor Speakeasy: Head upstairs and you’ll discover a completely different mood. This non-smoking floor offers a more relaxed setting with raised lounges perfect for conversation and people-watching through the windows overlooking Market Square.
It’s where singer-songwriters perform intimate sets and where comedians test their material during Wednesday open mic nights. If you want to actually hear your friends talk, this is your floor.
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Discover MoreThe Moonshine Roof Garden: Save the best for last. The rooftop has earned its reputation as Knoxville’s longest-running rooftop bar, and it absolutely delivers on the promise. Decorated with massive crystals, glowing fake trees that somehow avoid being cheesy, colorful flamingos, and string lights creating an almost Alice in Wonderland atmosphere, it’s a visual feast.
The centerpiece is the Magic Beer Tree—a whimsical installation that has become iconic in Knoxville’s nightlife scene. When the weather cooperates, this is prime real estate for enjoying the Market Square views with a cold drink in hand. Misting fans keep things comfortable during hot Tennessee summers.
The Beer Selection & Drinks
The Tap List: With over 70 beers on tap and more than 300 total options when you include bottles, this is serious beer territory. You’ll find everything from crowd-pleasing domestics to high-gravity craft brews from breweries like Dogfish Head, Left Coast, and Highland.
The selection rotates frequently, so regular visitors always have something new to try. Prices hover around very reasonable territory—think $2.50 to $4 for many pints, especially during the Premium Well Happy Hour running from 3 PM to 8 PM.
The Cocktail Scene: While beer gets most of the glory, the cocktail menu holds its own. Classic drinks like Tom Collins are executed well, and the bartenders are generally knowledgeable about their offerings. During slower weeknight visits, expect more personalized service where bartenders might even let you sample local brews before committing to a full pour.
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Keep Exploring →The Food Menu
Pizza Worth Mentioning: For a bar, the food quality surprises many first-timers. The pizzas earn consistent praise, with the Guinness-crust variety standing out as something special.
The crust comes out crispy with just the right amount of char, and the toppings are generous without being overwhelming. Multiple patrons have called it some of the best pizza they’ve had, which is high praise for pub grub.
Classic Bar Fare: Beyond pizza, you’ll find sandwiches, quesadillas, loaded pub fries, and chips—all solid options for soaking up a few beers. The food won’t win culinary awards, but it’s fresh, tasty, and hits the spot when you need sustenance during a night out. Portions are reasonable for the price point, and the kitchen stays open late to accommodate the 3 AM closing time.
Atmosphere & Décor
Eclectic & Intimate: The entire venue feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s wildly creative vision. The first floor maintains that worn-in, authentic dive bar aesthetic that makes you feel instantly at home. It’s small enough to feel intimate but large enough to accommodate crowds without being unbearably packed—though weekends can definitely test those limits.
Rooftop Magic: The top floor deserves its own mention for atmosphere. The combination of enormous crystals, illuminated trees, flamingos, and Market Square views creates an almost surreal drinking environment.
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Discover MoreIt strikes the perfect balance between kitschy and cool, leaning into its quirky personality without crossing into gimmicky territory. When the sun sets and those string lights come on, you’ll understand why Instagram feeds overflow with photos from up here.
Live Music Energy: No matter which floor you choose, music fills the space most nights. The sound quality is solid, and the booking choices span genres thoughtfully. Whether you’re catching a full band downstairs, an acoustic set on the second floor, or DJ sets on the roof, the entertainment factor stays consistently high.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: This is decidedly affordable nightlife. Drink prices trend toward the lower-mid range, with happy hour deals making it even more budget-friendly.
A typical night out won’t break the bank, and the cover charge for live music usually hovers around $5—very reasonable for the caliber of entertainment. The quality-to-price ratio leans heavily in your favor, especially considering the multi-floor access you get with one cover.
Parking Logistics: Market Square location means you’re in the heart of downtown. The State Street Garage offers free parking after hours and sits just a short walk away. The Market Square Garage is even closer at about a 3-minute walk. Street parking exists but fills up quickly on busy nights, so the garages are your best bet.
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Keep Exploring →Crowd & Timing: Weekends get absolutely packed, especially after 11 PM when the party really kicks into gear. If you prefer a more relaxed experience with actual breathing room, weeknights or earlier weekend hours work better.
The rooftop especially becomes shoulder-to-shoulder on Friday and Saturday nights—arrive early if you want to claim a good spot. Tuesday and Wednesday visits offer a completely different vibe with maybe 20-30 people spread across all floors.
The Smoking Factor: This is crucial information for some visitors. The first floor permits smoking, which creates that authentic smoky bar atmosphere. If cigarette smoke bothers you, head straight to the second floor where it’s smoke-free, or the rooftop for fresh air. Interestingly, the venue is one of the rare spots that allows cigar smoking—a feature cigar enthusiasts specifically appreciate.
Special Events: Wednesday nights bring open mic comedy, Thursdays often feature drag shows, and First Fridays include art openings. Check their schedule before visiting because the experience varies dramatically based on what’s happening that night. Halloween decorations transform the place into something particularly festive according to repeat visitors.
Best Times To Visit: Want to maximize your experience? Hit the rooftop on a clear evening when weather permits—those misting fans make even hot summer nights bearable. If live music is your priority, weekends obviously deliver the most energy. For a more chill beer-tasting experience with attentive bartenders, try a weeknight on the second floor.
Preservation Pub
📍 28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
